So, really, it doesn't make sense to compare the two in my book. If we're talking engine mods alone I suppose it does, but you will get certainly a lot more from Mallett.

I've been thinking of it like this:

I buy Corsa = $1,000? - probably a 1 hour install and easy to do - louder than Mallett? I think so from what I've read/heard.
I already bought shifter = $450 - installed myself - 2 hours
Headers? = $1,000 + install
Engine components = $5,000 or so plus installation + $1,500? - call it $6500
Suspension work? What does Mallett do? I don't know - but I have sent an email asking and will let all of you know what I find out. Bet we would spend $1,000 to duplicate it, if not more (new springs?).

So I'm at about $8,500 plus labor - call it $11,000 to do it myself - plus a dyno tune or two. For the additional price it installed and tested professionally with guaranteed results. They botch it - they fix it.

I wouldn't say the Mallett deal is a bargain by any means...but it makes sense. Now, I'm not saying anything negative about MTI as I have no experience with them to do so. I think their package is probably a great way to go as well - but it is ENGINE MODIFICATIONS ONLY while Mallett is addressing issues with the car as a whole. Two different approaches.

Mallett's Price =

$16,500.00 + shipping of my car from NV and 4-5 weeks without her...now that part I can't handle. Afford? Sure, but I'd probably just as well buy another V and ship it out, selling my current one on the return, or something along those lines (a year from now I'm thinking).

Just my .019999999 dollars.

globed70

07-26-04, 05:44 PM

Dreamin'

I don't know about your experience and desire with modified cars, so please excuse my assumptions that you may not have done this kind of thing before. There are clearly many downsides with the mods:

1. You will effectively be a test mule for how the chassis/drivetrain in the V handles the upgrades.
2. You will lose alot of warranty coverage related to the engine, much of the drivetrain, and so on.
3. The upgrade $ will never be recouped when you sell, and the market for a newer car that SHOULD have a full warranty but in fact really doesn't will mean less $ than an unmodified car that is under warranty.
4. You will deal with headaches, frustartion, and $ when problems need to be diagnosed and fixes made.

If you decide that you really aren't a modified car guy, then an HD flat panel TV sounds great. You may also want to check out LCD flat panels, as sizes are increasing and alot of the downsides of Plasma aren't there (noise, weight, reduction in brightness/lifespan), although inch-for-inch they are more expensive.

Good luck! Dan

Dreamin

07-27-04, 02:17 AM

Mallett also has a 470HP package but it is $10,000 more ($16,000) Vs MTI at $6,300.
Mallett is 400rwhp, MTI is more like 375rwhp (not saying the 25hp is worth the extra money, just pointing out a fact).
MTI dyno plot:
http://zeemr.home.comcast.net/mtidyno.jpg

globed70 Thanks for the counter-point... concise, convincing points... I am nervous about the diff... it cant handle the stock power, what's it going to do with the extra? I have modified my cars in the past, and your point 4 hits home... but as the cliche goes: horsepower is like crack... highly addictive (on top of which you forget all the bad, only remember the good... with the horsepower i mean, of course :lildevil: !)

Need to give this all a lot more thought...

alexWS6

07-27-04, 11:30 AM

Alex,

What is the problem with MTI? I was thinking about sending my V when It comes in. Mallett also has a 470HP package but it is $10,000 more ($16,000) Vs MTI at $6,300.

-Pricing is high
-They do not stand by the warranties on their work
-More power can be had for less money elsewhere

As stated above, the Mallet package comes with a lot of other stuff. I've never had any experience with them.

Cal

07-27-04, 02:18 PM

AFR heads are a super cheap way to add significant HP to the LS6. Look into those, I think they are $2500 with an $800-1k core for your stock heads. That's friggin cheap!

Personally unless you live in an area where you plan to drive the thing year round (my V season is almost over, soon it will be relinquished to carting hot women around in snow-less dating situations for the fall/winter) I'd wait till next spring when everything for the car is more well-tested and buy the TV.

Get a 61" DLP for $3200 and get the entire exhaust system also? Always a thought.

Dreamin

08-07-04, 10:50 PM

FWIW... I decided to leave the car stock for now. So here is my new toy.:D
*Very* happy with it... the picture quality is just amazing. (It is going to mounted on a wall.)

http://zeemr.home.comcast.net/plas1.jpg

http://zeemr.home.comcast.net/plas2.jpg

http://zeemr.home.comcast.net/plas3.jpg

http://zeemr.home.comcast.net/plas4.jpg

StealthV

08-07-04, 11:00 PM

The picture quality of those first two pictures is superb. ;)

Amazing that a digital picture of a tv looks that good. It must be incredible in real life. What store did you get it at?